# Can Ipamorelin reduce age-related muscle loss in cancer patients?

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Peptide Longevity Q&A · 2020-11-01


    Ipamorelin, through its action as a selective ghrelin receptor agonist, shows promise in improving lean body mass in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer and cachexia, potentially addressing age-related muscle loss in this population.


What the research shows

The research focuses on cancer cachexia, particularly in patients with advanced lung cancer, which is a significant concern given the high prevalence of muscle loss in this population. The study highlights that almost 70% of patients with advanced lung cancer are in a precachexia or cachexia stage at diagnosis. Anamorelin, a selective ghrelin receptor agonist, is under development to treat cancer cachexia, with promising results in improving lean body mass specifically in patients suffering from advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and gastrointestinal cancers. The trial for the Nutrition and Exercise Treatment for Advanced Cancer (NEXTAC) program demonstrated excellent feasibility and safety in elderly patients, suggesting that multimodal treatments incorporating nutritional and exercise interventions, alongside agents like Ipamorelin, could be beneficial.


Why it matters for longevity

Addressing muscle loss, particularly in older adults and patients with cancer, is crucial for enhancing healthspan and potentially lifespan. Sarcopenia, or age-related muscle loss, can lead to increased frailty, reduced mobility, and a decline in overall health. By improving lean body mass in patients with cancer cachexia, Ipamorelin may help mitigate some of the adverse effects associated with aging and cancer, potentially leading to better quality of life and improved treatment outcomes. The implications of these findings extend beyond cancer patients, as similar mechanisms may apply to the broader aging population, where maintaining muscle mass is critical for health and longevity.


Key findings at a glance

Lung cancer is a leading cause of death in Japan, with a low 5-year survival rate for advanced cases.

Approximately 70% of advanced lung cancer patients are in precachexia or cachexia stages at diagnosis.

Cancer cachexia significantly contributes to chemotherapy resistance and cancer mortality.

Anamorelin is being developed as a treatment for cancer cachexia, showing promise in improving lean body mass.

The NEXTAC program demonstrated feasibility and safety in implementing multimodal interventions in elderly cancer patients.


How Ipamorelin works (background)

Ipamorelin is a selective ghrelin receptor agonist that stimulates appetite and promotes growth hormone release. Ghrelin is a hormone that plays a significant role in regulating energy balance and muscle mass. By activating ghrelin receptors, Ipamorelin may help counteract the muscle wasting associated with cancer cachexia, thus improving lean body mass. This mechanism is particularly relevant in the context of older adults and cancer patients, where maintaining muscle mass is essential for overall health and functional capacity.


Safety, caveats, and what we don't yet know

While Ipamorelin shows promise in improving lean body mass in cancer patients, further research is necessary to establish its long-term safety and efficacy. The current studies primarily focus on specific populations, such as those with advanced lung cancer or gastrointestinal cancers, leaving a gap in understanding its effects in other demographics, including healthy aging individuals. Additionally, the multifactorial nature of cancer cachexia means that while Ipamorelin may help improve muscle mass, it should be part of a comprehensive treatment approach that includes nutrition and exercise interventions. More extensive clinical trials are needed to fully understand the potential benefits and limitations of Ipamorelin in various patient populations.


Bottom line

Ipamorelin may offer a promising approach to reducing age-related muscle loss in cancer patients by improving lean body mass, particularly in those suffering from cancer cachexia.


Related questions

How does Ipamorelin affect muscle mass in older adults?

Research indicates that Ipamorelin can stimulate appetite and promote growth hormone release, which may help in maintaining muscle mass in older adults, particularly those at risk of sarcopenia.


What are the potential benefits of Ipamorelin for cancer patients?

Ipamorelin may improve lean body mass and mitigate the effects of cachexia in cancer patients, potentially enhancing their overall treatment outcomes and quality of life.


Are there any risks associated with using Ipamorelin?

While Ipamorelin appears safe in preliminary studies, further research is needed to understand its long-term safety and potential side effects, especially in diverse populations.


Source: PubMed · Gan To Kagaku Ryoho · published 2020-11-01.

## Sources

- PubMed · Gan To Kagaku Ryoho: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33268723/